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Name Changes

Name Changes in Panama City Beach

The Virga Law Firm, P.A. Is Here to Help You Start Over

There are multiple reasons for an individual to want to change their name. While this process is not necessarily difficult, it can become much more complicated without the assistance of an experienced lawyer. If you are considering legally changing your name, the first thing you will need to do is undergo a criminal background check, along with having your fingerprints documented.

When submitting a petition to change your name in Florida, you are required to provide the following information:

  • Proof of residency in the county where the petition is filed
  • Birthplace and date of birth
  • Father’s name and mother’s maiden name
  • Previous bankruptcy information
  • Previous residences
  • Previous criminal records

The state of Florida reserves the right to deny name changes. Denial may occur if the court suspects the petitioner possesses an illegal motive for changing their name. This is why it is important to hire quality legal counsel before beginning the name change process. Contact our Panama City Beach name change attorneys at The Virga Law Firm, P.A., and take the first step towards beginning your new life today.

Our firm is available at (800) 822-5170. We accept calls 24/7.

Reasons to Change Your Name

People often want to change their name for reasons such as marriage, divorce, personal preference, or for the safety and well-being of their child. While there is no one reason for changing your name, all name change petitions can be valid so long as you have proper documentation and the right lawyer.

Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. for legal assistance with:

  • Marriage Name Change: Marriage is an extremely common reason for an individual to change their name. You may use your marriage license to make an official name change request. If this request is approved, it will then be applied to pertinent documentation, such as your Social Security Card and driver’s license.
  • Divorce Name Change: It is also extremely common for an individual to revert back to their maiden name after a divorce. Fortunately, this process is fairly simple. You may use your divorce petition to file a request for a name change, and once the petition is approved, the court will legally allow you to make an official name change at the DMV and Social Security offices.
  • Personal Preference Name Change: To apply for a name change because of personal preference, you will need to supply proper information, as well as an official application. Once this application is reviewed and either approved or denied by the court, your lawyer will be able to assist you with what comes next. If the petition is approved, you can contact appropriate offices for documentation containing your new name. If it is not approved, you should review your case with a seasoned name change attorney. Individuals may choose to undergo personal name changes based on a number of factors, ranging from safety reasons to gender identity.
  • Child Name Change: Occasionally, a parent may want to request a name change for their child. This process is a bit more difficult than an average name change. Florida allows whole families to change their name if it can be established this change is in the best interest of the child/children. As with any name change you must submit proper documentation to the court when petitioning. In cases where a single parent wishes to change the family name, the court will then notify the child’s other biological parent as well before a ruling is made.

Contact Our Panama City Beach Lawyers Now

There’s no reason in the United States of America for you not to have exactly the name you want. While legally changing your name can be stressful, the proper attorney will be able to handle it for you quickly and efficiently. For Panama City Beach name change lawyers with over 100 years of experience, contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. Our compassionate and tenacious team will guide you through every step of this process, helping you fill out the correct documents, file all relevant pipework, and generally streamline the legal work involved in receiving your new identity.

Begin your name change process now! Dial (800) 822-5170 to schedule a consultation, or click here to send us a message online.

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office

    Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position

    The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL

    Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?

    We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.

    Who We Are

    The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.

    Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.

    Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.

    Who You Are

    The ideal candidate:

    • Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
    • Has a passion for family law
    • Excels at identifying crucial case details
    • Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
    • Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
    • Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
    • Thrives in fast-paced environments
    • Is committed to helping others and leading by example

    Minimum Qualifications

    • An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
    • Demonstrated experience in family law
    • Proven history of passionate representation and client service
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
    • Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
    • Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
    • Ability to work independently and produce superior work product

    Key Responsibilities

    • Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
    • Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
    • Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
    • Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
    • Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
    • Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
    • Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
    • Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail

    Benefits and Perks

    • Competitive compensation package based on experience
    • Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
    • Progressive Paid Time Off:
      • One week per six months
      • Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
      • Paid holidays and one flex holiday
    • Parental and bereavement leave
    • Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Supportive team environment

    Why Choose The Virga Law Firm

    • Unified company culture dedicated to success
    • Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
    • Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
    • An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
    • Commitment to personal and professional growth
    • No-drama, no-judgment work environment
    • Strong focus on team collaboration

    Application Process

    Interested candidates should submit:

    • Current resume
    • Writing sample
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Cover letter

    How to Apply

    1. Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
    2. Submit required documents

    Additional Information

    The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates. 

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    • "He listened carefully."
      He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
      I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
      Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Fast and supportive service."
      The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
      - Visi, A Divorce Client